Fluoxetine, sold under the brand name Prozac, is the most often prescribed anti-depressant today and also has had the most media exposure of any psychiatric medication in history (Breggin, 1994). This is most likely due to the many media reports of miraculous transformations of character supposedly caused by fluoxetine use. People who would seek prescriptions of fluoxetine to enrich their lives may be disappointed. The drug is effective in relieving symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and various phobias and states of anxieties (Fuller, 1992), however only a small percentage of those who would take fluoxetine would experience a transformation of character and believe themselves to lead a fuller, enriched, better than normal life (Fieve, 1994).

The true reason why fluoxetine is remarkable is that it is an advancement in psychopharmacology as indicated by the method of its creation and intended effect. Fluoxetine was not discovered accidently, or derived from an already known pharmaceutical, but was synthesized with the intention of specifically inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This selectivity is thought to be a way to maintain potency while minimizing side effects (Arky, 1994). Fluoxetine has fulfilled the goal of a reduction in adverse effects from earlier anti-depressants (Wernicke, 1985).

However, fluoxetine is not a mental cure all. The use of the drug alone may have beneficial effects, but it is best used in conjunction with psychotherapy (Kramer, 1993). The widespread use of drugs such as fluoxetine brings to mind the possibility for the social misuse of psychopharmaceuticals. There must be a mechanism which would prevent political dissent and social non-conformity from being diagnosed as a mental illness and thus be treated coercively with medication. Legislation similar to Sieroty's Bill 2296 must be considered on a national scale. The danger for the social misuse of fluoxetine lies not in the control of a population or having large sections of the population addicted to a drug to maintain a temperament, but in the overestimation of fluoxetine's ability to provide a pharmacological solution to the field of mental health.

Thorazine was introduced in a time of financial crisis in the state mental hospitals. This may have greatly influenced the deinstitutionalization of patients by means of tranquilizers (Johnson, 1990). Fluoxetine has also arrived in a critical time in the mental health field. The federal government has called for changes in the health care industry in order to reduce costs. Health care plans are now being arranged by intermediary organizations. These organizations may also try to reduce the cost of health services, or cover only a certain amount of treatment. In New York State, Governor Pataki has drastically cut the budget for mental health services. These factors may cause a quick solution to be sought. Administration of drugs such as fluoxetine may be considered by some to be an inexpensive method of mental heath care.

There is great potential for the misuse of fluoxetine in an attempt to provide a quick fix in psychiatry. Emergency Psychiatric units now have the impossible mandate of discharging patients quickly and still providing adequate treatment. Many units take pride in their efficiency to discharge patients (Johnson, 1990). This revolving door system of mental health care may make use of drugs such as fluoxetine in order to quickly treat and release patients. The replacement of proper psychiatric treatment with the administration alone of a "mental cure-all" would be significant drop in the quality of care. The abilities and limitations of psychopharmaceuticals must be taken into account in order for their proper use.